DINGLE , Ireland -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Fewer tourists and relatively warm temperatures may be reason enough to put Ireland on your list of winter travel destinations , especially Dingle Peninsula , once ranked by National Geographic Traveler as `` the most beautiful place on Earth . ''

Winter offers tourists a chance to explore Ireland 's west coast unhindered by bothersome crowds .

The peninsula , on Ireland 's west coast , includes the oceanside town of Dingle , which boasts more than 1,000 full-time residents .

Winter visitors will avoid the area 's hundreds of thousands of summertime tourists .

Boats crowd Dingle 's popular marina , bringing fresh seafood catches of the day .

Some of the marina vessels also will ferry visitors to see Fungie , a locally famous dolphin who has lived in the waters outside town since 1984 . See breathtaking photos of Dingle ''

Outside Dingle , numerous vacation cottages are available to rent , including homes in the village of Dunquin . In winter , rates are drastically cut , and rental period dates may be more flexible .

Most shops and restaurants have shorter hours during winter , and traditional music is found in some of the pubs on the weekends .

As with most of Ireland , pubs abound , even in the smallest villages . A beer -LRB- preferably Guinness -RRB- and some hearty pub grub are a perfect way to cap a day of exploring the wintry sights of the peninsula .

Because Ireland sits near the warm waters of the Atlantic Gulf Stream , the Emerald Isle has an average temperature of 46 degrees Fahrenheit -LRB- 7 Celsius -RRB- during December , January and February .

But pack smart and bring layers of clothing , including warm sweaters and jackets , because winter weather often means rain on Ireland 's western shore .

@highlight

Dingle , Ireland , called `` most beautiful place on Earth '' by National Geographic

@highlight

Escape summer crowds by traveling to Dingle Peninsula during winter months

@highlight

Cottage rentals are cheaper in winter , and periods are more flexible

@highlight

Winter temperatures in western Ireland average 46 degrees F -LRB- 7 Celsius -RRB-